The Weeknd is an artist like no other, for better or worse.
Born Abel Tesfaye, the brooding Canadian singer gained attention from critics and the music
industry for his debut trio of mixtapes, which he re-released in 2012 as the packaged Trilogy.
Then, in 2015, he broke into the mainstream like a gust of risqué wind with the BDSM-tinged
single, "Earned It." Though written for the movie Fifty Shades of Grey, the song perhaps
outshined the film, spending 29 weeks on the music charts and earning itself an Oscar nomination.
From there, the smooth-voiced Tesfaye kept the momentum rolling with mega-hits like "Can't
Feel My Face" and "The Hills."
But The Weeknd is as adept at hit-making as he is at keeping fans on their toes. He released
a surprise collaboration with the comparatively upbeat Daft Punk in 2016, made an appearance
as an actor (playing himself) in 2019's Uncut Gems, and in 2020, pulled perhaps his most
unexpected move by completely changing his look in a drastic, dramatic way.
For his fourth album, After Hours, which got released in March 2020, The Weeknd emerged
looking… different. On the album art, in live performances, and in music videos, Tesfaye
wore bloody makeup, nose bandages, and fake bruises — telltale signs of a hard night
out partying in a cruel and lonely city.
As one fan tweeted:
"The Weeknd has been walking around with blood on his face for like 3 months now lol
"What happened to your face?"
The artist was spotted in the same costume throughout the summer, and media outlets and
fans correctly guessed that Tesfaye was planning to don the same bruised, red suit-and-gloved
look for the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30.
Ahead of the ceremony, Just Jared predicted he'd been spotted out and about in the look
because he'd been prepping his performance. He seemingly hadn't gone outside without the
signature outfit during his entire stay in New York City. Up for a total of six awards,
it was a big night for The Weeknd, who ultimately took home two trophies, including Video of
the Year.
In an August 2020 interview with Esquire, The Weeknd said that his song "Blinding Lights,"
the lead single from After Hours, touches on drunk driving, which might explain why
he looks so battered while promoting the song and the album it comes from. Aside from the
bruising, the outfit also seems to evoke Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" look. Elaborating
on the theme, the singer explained to Esquire:
"'Blinding Lights' [is about] how you want to see someone at night, and you're intoxicated,
and you're driving to this person and you're just blinded by streetlights. But nothing
could stop you from trying to go see that person, because you're so lonely. I don't
want to ever promote drunk driving, but that's what the dark undertone is."
Motives for the look aside, The Weeknd's performance definitely delivered. True to form, The Weeknd
appeared in his new bruised persona as he ignited the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards. Tesfaye
kicked off this year's award show, singing "Blinding Lights" live from the observation
deck at Hudson Yards in New York City.
According to People, while the performance started with the mysterious singer shrouded
in darkness, seemingly unconscious, he quickly rose up and delivered an electrifying rendition
of his propulsive hit single. And then – speaking of “Blinding Lights” – a massive pyrotechnics
display erupted as the singer hit some final high notes, while a helicopter followed him
around the top of the building.
According to Page Six, the singer was indeed pre-taping parts of the performance in New
York City all week. And as the electrifying end result proved, his dedication to his eye-grabbing
look, while jarring, was worth it!
The Weeknd last performed at the VMAs in 2015, when he debuted his hit, "Can't Feel My Face,"
a performance that had Kanye West grinning ear to ear from his seat in the stands. Us
Weekly reported The Weeknd was also supposed to perform at the 2017 ceremony, but ended
up not showing up due to touring fatigue.
We're glad he made it this year, as his performance — and shocking bloody look — will not
soon be forgotten.
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